Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Sunday dismissed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Mines and Energy Natangwe Ithete, assuming control of the strategic ministry herself.
The presidency said the move aims to ensure continuity and effective coordination in a key sector driving Namibia’s economic ambitions, including its upcoming crude oil production plans.
The statement released on Sunday emphasized that the president’s decision was made “in the interest of ensuring continuity and effective coordination within this key sector.”
President Nandi-Ndaitwah, who took office earlier this year, will now directly oversee the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, effective immediately.
The presidency said the decision was guided by the importance of the ministry’s role in advancing Namibia’s energy independence, industrial growth, and mineral resource management.
“In the interest of ensuring continuity and effective coordination within this key sector, President Nandi-Ndaitwah will assume responsibility for the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy, effective immediately,” the statement read.
The presidency further noted that Ithete, who was appointed to the dual posts in March as part of Nandi-Ndaitwah’s new administration, will remain a Member of Parliament.
The Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy has been at the center of Namibia’s economic transformation agenda, particularly as the nation positions itself as a future player in the global energy market.
Namibia is targeting its first crude oil production by 2030, following several major oil discoveries in recent years that have drawn international attention to its resource potential.
The country’s mining industry also remains a key pillar of the economy, contributing significantly to export revenues.
Namibia is among the world’s top producers of uranium and diamonds, and recent exploration activities have highlighted opportunities in lithium and other critical minerals vital to the global clean energy transition.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah’s assumption of the ministry underscores the administration’s intent to maintain momentum in key national projects and streamline policy direction at a time when Namibia’s extractive industries and industrial strategies are undergoing critical shifts.
Political observers view the decision as a demonstration of the president’s proactive leadership style and her resolve to ensure the government’s priorities are implemented with precision and accountability.
The Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy oversees strategic areas including the regulation of mining operations, industrialization policy, and energy resource management.
The president’s direct involvement is expected to accelerate reforms aimed at improving investment climate, enhancing local content participation, and promoting value addition within Namibia’s extractive and manufacturing sectors.
